位置について、用意、ドン！
ichi ni tsuite, yōi, don!
The English phrase "ready, set, go!" is translated into Japanese as 位置について、用意、ドン！ (ichi ni tsuite, yōi, don!)
位置について、用意、ドン！ is the standard sequence used to signal the start of a race in Japanese sports contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: 位置について means "on your marks" or "take your position", 用意 means "ready" or "preparation".
How do you pronounce it?
ichi ni tsuite, yōi, don!
Did you know?
- The final word, ドン！ (don!), is an onomatopoeia representing the sound of a starting pistol or a loud drum hit. It is not a verbal command like 'go', but a direct representation of the sound that triggers the start.
- In some casual games, you might hear せーの used instead of the full sequence. This phrase acts as a 'one, two, three' to synchronize a group action.
- If you were to use the word 'go' literally, such as 行け (ike), it would sound like an instruction to 'run away' or 'go forth' rather than a signal for a race to begin. The structure of the phrase avoids direct verbs for 'start' or 'go' at the climax.
Examples in context
- 位置について、用意、ドン！と叫んで走った。Ichi ni tsuite, yōi, don! to sakende hashitta.I shouted, "Ready, set, go!" and ran.
- 位置について、用意、ドン！の合図を待つ。Ichi ni tsuite, yōi, don! no aizu o matsu.Wait for the signal, "Ready, set, go!"
Example conversation
At a local track meet, a boy and a girl are preparing for a race.
- 陽葵 Himari位置について、用意、ドン！って言ってね。Ichi ni tsuite, yōi, don! tte itte ne.Please say, "Ready, set, go!"
- 健太 Kentaわかったよ、陽葵。準備はできているよ。Wakatta yo, Himari. Junbi wa dekite iru yo.Got it, Himari. I am ready.
- 陽葵 Himari健太、全力で頑張ってね！Kenta, zenryoku de ganbatte ne!Kenta, do your best!
- 健太 Kenta位置について、用意、ドン！Ichi ni tsuite, yōi, don!Ready, set, go!
